Parents have until Friday to submit applications for school transfers under Louisiana's new voucher program. State Department of Education officials report that they have received more applications than they expected, topping 6,000.

Ellis Lucia, The Times-PicayuneJohn White, Louisiana state superintendent of schools, speaking in Mandeville in January.

State Superintendent John White said in a statement that the number is rising. "We've heard from a number of schools who are receiving applications faster than they can enter them in online," he said.

The Education Department continues working with schools on solidifying the eligibility rules for campuses to join the program. Once that is finished, they will be able to clarify the number of available seats. Officials plan to conduct a lottery in July to place students in schools with more applicants than open spots. Families will learn the lottery results by the end of July.

Out of about 120 schools participating so far, 24 are in Orleans Parish, 14 are in Jefferson Parish, five are in St. John Parish, five are in St. Tammany parish, two are in St. Charles Parish and one is in St. Bernard Parish. The Education Department has posted how many seats are open at each site.

To qualify for vouchers, students must attend schools graded C, D or F under the state's rating system. Their family incomes must fall below two-and-a-half times the federally defined poverty line. Students awarded scholarships in a previous year also can continue. Through 2011-12, the program existed only in New Orleans.

State officials and other proponents of vouchers argue the program represents a humane effort giving children a chance to escape dim academic prospects shaped by the selection of public schools near their homes. "It has been overwhelming to witness so many parents actively seeking quality education options for their children," White said in the statement reminding parents of Friday's application deadline. "They are engaged in their children's education and clearly want the best opportunities available to them."

Opponents, most vocally teachers unions, argue the program will erode public schools by draining them of resources. Unions have sued to stop the voucher effort, arguing it violates the Louisiana Constitution by directing public money to private schools.

Anyone seeking more information can visit the Internet site for the program, email questions to studentscholarships@la.gov, or call the Education Department's help center at 877.453.2721.